Abstract:
The road construction sector is one of the most crucial segments of a nation's and society's
ability to attain urban and rural development goals. However, the most common issue in the
road construction industry is right-of-way problems, and it is one of the factors that
contribute to project delays and cost overruns. As a result, this research was carried out to
investigate the causes, effects, and solutions to right-of-way issues in Jimma zone road
construction projects. The study's main objective was to assess the impact of right-of-way
problems on road construction projects in the Jimma zone. To achieve its objectives, the
researcher identified the factors that cause right-of-way problems, the effects of those factors
on road projects, and the methods to minimize the problems related to right-of-way.
A questionnaire survey, a desk study, and site observation were carried out to achieve the
research objectives and collect data. A questionnaire survey involving 30 respondents and
key informant interviews were used to collect primary data. Purposive sampling techniques
were used to select professional respondents from clients, consultants, and contractors. The
research design used in this study was descriptive and explanatory, using quantitative and
qualitative methods. Finally, the gathered data was analyzed using Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS) and Excel, and then the result was interpreted according to the
research objectives.
According to the study findings, the top three causes of right-of-way problems in road
construction projects were complaints about compensation payment, property owners' refusal
to leave their original parcel, and poor communication among stakeholders, with RIIs of
0.967, 0.920, and 0.893, respectively. Following that, the study identified nine impacts of
right-of-way issues on road projects. Time and cost overrun are the most significant effects,
with RII of 0.89 and 0.82, respectively. Finally, seventeen approaches to minimizing right-of way problems were identified. Property valuations should be based on current market values
(ranked first with RII = 0.93), and fair and adequate compensation payments for property
owners (ranked second with RII = 0.92).
